Commons vote on electoral reform referendum

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

UPDATE: For more on the options for electoral reform, click here. You can also read Sunder Katwala’s description of AV here.

UPDATE: The Guardian now has the full story, which details how the new law would seek to guarantee that a re-elected Labour government would hold a referendum within two years, on abolishing FPTP for elections to the Westminster parliament in favour of the Alternative Vote. The law would hold three key benefits:

* Allow Labour to depict itself at the general election as the party of reform.

* Make David Cameron look like a defender of the status quo.

* Increase the chances that the Liberal Democrats will support Labour – or at least not support the Tories – in the event of a hung parliament.

The Guardian also says:

“The decision by ministers represents a hardening of the government’s position. Brown had only committed to include a referendum in Labour’s manifesto. It will now be made law.”

*

Vote for a Change is reporting that tomorrow’s front pages will include details on an imminent Commons vote on a legally binding clause that would provide for a referendum on the voting system – probably to be held on the same day as the general election.

This is something that’s been talked about for a long time, and while the details are still not clear, it looks as if reformers will have their day – or at least their day to debate the proposals in the House ahead of the Commons vote.

More to follow…